Robert Ellis Herron

Robert Ellis Herron (Bob) was born on January 21, 1943 to Garnett and Elizabeth (Streets) Herron in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was the eighth of seventeen children. Robert received his formal education in the Milwaukee Public School system and graduated from North Division High School. He later honed his professional skills at Lincoln Technical Institute in Newark, New Jersey.

In 1964, Robert enlisted in the United States Army, where he refined his cooking skills as a chef and dutifully served his country. After being honorably discharged in 1968, he relocated to Newark, New Jersey. It was there, in 1969 at Tony Ellerbee’s Barber Shop, that he met his love and late wife, Jean Herron. On January 3, 1970, Robert married Jean Jackson, and from this union they had four children: Dawn, LaWanda, Nicole, and Lindsay. He resided in Irvington with his family for many years before moving to Vauxhall in 1987, where he lived ever since. Robert was a loving and devoted husband and father, dedicated to supporting and protecting his wife and children.

Robert was initiated into the United Masonic Brotherhood as a Master Mason in August 1978 and was distinguished for his zeal and fidelity to the craft. Throughout his professional career, Robert invested in real estate with his wife. He also worked as a lead machinist for Emeloid and Hartz for 23 years, until his health required him to step away. Despite numerous health challenges, Robert remained a beacon of positivity. When asked how he was doing, he would often reply, “I’m no worse for the wear,” always grateful for the blessing of waking up and placing his feet on the ground each morning.

In 1998, Robert received a heart transplant, a second chance at life that inspired his deep dedication to charitable work. He became an active volunteer with the Sharing Network and Hearty Hearts for over 20 years, encouraging organ donation and educating families about its life-saving importance. Through Hearty Hearts, he supported individuals awaiting transplants and comforted those who had recently received them. He also maintained a strong connection with the American Heart Association, consistently advocating for involvement and awareness.

A devoted family man, Robert expressed his love through food. His love language lived in his kitchen, where he was known for his famous Wednesday-morning pancakes—a cherished family ritual often accompanied by friendly competition, as they were strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. His potato and macaroni salads, along with his legendary curry chicken, kept friends and family happily lined up. While his recipes were closely guarded secrets, he was always generous with his time, gladly cooking for anyone who called in a special request. In addition to cooking, Bob loved listening to jazz, streaming his favorite shows, playing the lotto, and checking in on family and friends. Most of all, he cherished being surrounded by the beautiful family he created.

Robert and Jean built a life filled with laughter and love. Robert was called home on November 28, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Herron; his son, Robert Lewis; his parents, Garnett and Elizabeth Herron; and 13 of his siblings. He is survived by four daughters: Dawn, LaWanda, Nicole, and Lindsay Herron; eight grandchildren: Fallon, Brittney, Shaquan, Jakiyah, Ebone, Kenejon, Emieri, and Zuriyah; and twelve great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by three brothers—Rufus, Walter, and Charles Herron—along with numerous relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.

To know Robert was to love him. Through humor, love, dedication, and unwavering devotion, he left a lasting impact on everyone blessed to cross his path. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those he loved and those who loved him deeply.